Headline

Tribunal: Lagos Island youths say Sanwo-Olu’s victory well-deserved

Published

2 months ago

September 26, 2023

Lagos Island youths have congratulated Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on his victory at the Lagos State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal on Monday.

The leader of the Lagos Island Youths, Mr Bolaji Adamoh-Faniyan, said in a congratulatory statement on Tuesday in Lagos, that the court ruling was heartwarming.

Adamoh-Faniyan said: “On behalf of the Lagos Island Youth, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to you (Sanwo-Olu) on your resounding victory at the Tribunal.

“This triumph is a testament to your dedication, vision and unwavering commitment to the people of Lagos State.

“Your exceptional leadership and transformative agenda have brought about immense progress and development to our beloved state.

“From infrastructure improvement to social welfare initiatives, your administration has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of the people.”

He noted that the youth appreciated the ‘tireless efforts’ the governor had been putting into making the state a model for other states to emulate.

“Under your able leadership we have witnessed significant advancements in various sectors including education, healthcare, transportation, security and job creation.

“Your visionary policies have not only enhanced the quality of life for the residents of Lagos Island but have also made our state an attractive destination for investors.

“This has resulted in increased job opportunities, economic growth, and a thriving business environment,” he added.

Adamoh-Faniyan, further said the youth valued Sanwo-Olu’s emphasis on youth empowerment and inclusion.

According to him, various skill acquisition programmes, entrepreneurship initiatives and support for education have provided platforms for the youth to harness their potential and contribute to nation-building.

“Your commitment towards ensuring the well-being and future prospects of the youth is commendable.

“As vibrant and energetic youths from Lagos Island we pledge our unflinching support and cooperation to your administration.

“We are confident that under your continued stewardship Lagos State will attain even greater heights of progress and prosperity,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tribunal had declared as dead on arrival, a petition by governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran (a.k.a. Jandor), against Sanwo-Olu’s election.

The tribunal held that evidence before it showed that the petition lacked merit.

Adediran had contended that Sanwo-Olu was wrongfully nominated and sponsored by his party, the All Progressives Party (APC) and, therefore, was not qualified for the election.

The tribunal also dismissed petition filed by Mr Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party governorship candidate for Lagos State against Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat.

Headline

President Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval For Fresh $8.6billion, €100million Loans

Published

2 hours ago

November 28, 2023

Olakunle Adeniyi

The president made the request through a letter to the Senate, read during the plenary by the Senate President, GodsWill Akpabio, on Tuesday, noting that the fund was to execute critical projects in different sectors.

The President Bola Tinubu-led administration has sought the approval of the Nigerian Senate for $8.6billion and €100million borrowing plan.

The request was said to be part of the federal government 2022-2024 external borrowing plan approved by former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, according to the letter.

Tinubu explained that the projects to be funded with the loan cuts across different sectors of the economy, and were selected based on economic evaluation and the expected contribution to the country’s development.

The letter reads in part;, “I write in respect of the above subject and to submit the attached the federal government 2022-2024 external borrowing plan for consideration and early approval of the National Assembly to ensure prompt implementation of the projects.

“The Senate may wish to note that the past administration approved a 2022-2024 borrowing plan by the federal executive council (FEC) held on May 15, 2023.

“The project cuts across all sectors, with specific emphasis on infrastructure, agriculture, health, water supply, roads, security, and employment generation as well as financial management reforms.

“Consequently, the required approval is in the sum of $8,699,168,559 and €100 million.

“I would like to underscore the fact that the projects and programmes in the borrowing plan were selected based on economic evaluations as well as the expected contribution to the social economic development of the country, including employment generation, and skills acquisition.

“Given the nature of these facilities, and the need to return the country to normalcy it has become necessary for the Senate to consider and approve the 2022- 2024 external abridged borrowing plan to enable the government deliver its responsibility to Nigerians.”

In August, the National Assembly approved President Tinubu’s request for over $800 million loan to finance the National Social Safety Network Programme.

The National Assembly had also approved the 2022 Supplementary Appropriations Act of N819 million “for the provision of Palliatives to Nigerians to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal”.

Headline

Tinubu Should Review RECs Appointment – Ex-INEC Chairman, Jega

Published

12 hours ago

November 28, 2023

Ifunaya Emeka

A former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Attahiru Jega, has called on President Bola Tinubu to review the appointments of the commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).

Jega said Tinubu should review their appointments due to concerns that some of the RECs are partisan.

About a month ago, Tinubu had nominated 10 RECs, with the Senate confirming their appointments.

However, some of the RECs have been accused of being involved in partisan politics.

Reacting to the criticisms, Jega said the non-review of their appointment sends the wrong signal.

Featuring on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Jega said: “I think there is no doubt that if the President were listening, my advice would be to immediately review the appointment of the Resident Electoral Commissioners that was passed by the Senate recently.

“It’s very, very important because clearly, not only does it send a wrong signal about the government’s intention to improve the integrity of elections, it also suggests, you know, that there is indifference with regards to protecting the independence and impartiality of the election management body.

“I would want to believe that Mr President was either misinformed or is not really furnished with all the necessary details with regards to these appointments.”